Dental Crown Examination Explained

What Happens During a Dental Crown Examination

First your dentist will look closely at the tooth and the gum around it. They’ll check for damage and see how the tooth fits with the teeth beside it. Then comes the part you might barely notice.

The dentist may tap the tooth gently. Press around the gum. They’re checking for signs that the tooth’s irritated or that something else is going on beneath the surface. Because a crown won’t fix an infection hiding underneath the tooth.

X-Rays and Other Checks

An X-ray is often part of the examination especially when the tooth has had a filling or previous treatment. It gives the dentist a view of the root and the bone around it which you obviously can’t see by looking in the mirror.

Your bite gets checked too. The dentist may ask you to bite down while they watch how the teeth meet. A crown that looks perfect but hits hard when you chew is going to get annoying very quickly.

What Your Dentist Is Looking For

• A broken tooth, especially where the damage reaches close to the gum needs a closer look before anyone talks about a crown.

• Pain when biting isn’t something to brush aside. It can point to an issue inside the tooth that needs attention first.

• The old filling matters too particularly if its large or already leaking around the edges.

• Your bite can change the plan. A back tooth that takes chewing pressure needs a crown designed to cope with it.

What If the Tooth Needs Root Canal Treatment?

Sometimes the examination shows that the tooth has an infection or damaged nerve. In that situation your dentist may recommend root canal treatment before placing the crown.

What the Appointment Feels Like

Most crown examinations aren’t uncomfortable. You may feel a pressure while the dentist checks the tooth but there usually isn’t anything dramatic happening.

What Happens After the Examination?

Once the examination is finished your dentist will explain what they found and whether a crown makes sense. If treatment goes ahead they’ll discuss the preparation needed. What happens at the next appointment.

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